Cape Town – The University of South Africa (Unisa) has rejected social media claims suggesting that attorney and certified fraud examiner Sarah-Jane Trent misrepresented her academic qualifications while testifying before Parliament’s Ad Hoc Committee.
The university confirmed that Trent is indeed a graduate of the institution and holds a Bachelor of Laws (LLB) degree. The clarification comes after a statement circulating on social media alleged That Unisa had no record of Trent ever studying or graduating from the university.
The viral message, which contained several grammatical errors, falsely claimed the university had stated there was “no record” of Trent registering or graduating with a law degree from the institution. However, Unisa dismissed the claim, stating the message did not originate from any of its official platforms.
A university spokesperson confirmed that Trent completed her law studies at the institution. “Ms Sarah-Jane Trent is a graduate of the university and holds a Bachelor of Laws (LLB) degree, which she obtained in May 2013,” the university said.
Unisa further distanced itself from the circulating statement, reiterating that it had not issued any communication denying Trent’s qualifications.
During her appearance before the parliamentary Ad Hoc Committee last week, Trent spoke about her academic background and professional development.
She told the committee that she matriculated in 2002 before enrolling at Stellenbosch University to pursue a Bachelor of Commerce degree in Marketing, which she did not complete. She later studied at Boland College in Stellenbosch, where she obtained a 16-subject Merit Certificate in Marketing Management.
Trent explained that she eventually shifted her career path and decided to pursue law. “In 2007, I enrolled at University of South Africa toward a Bachelor of Laws degree (LLB) which I completed in November 2012,” she told the committee.
Her testimony forms part of an ongoing parliamentary inquiry examining allegations made by KwaZulu-Natal police commissioner Lieutenant-General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi regarding the influence of private actors within the criminal justice system.
Meanwhile, the uMkhonto weSizwe Party also raised concerns about Trent’s role in certain legal matters, stating that questions had emerged about the involvement of private individuals in criminal cases involving political figures.
Unisa has urged the public to rely on its official communication channels for accurate information and warned against the spread of misinformation on social media.
For more African news, visit Africaninsider.comCompiled by Lisabeal Nqamqhele
